GUITAR
PLAYING FOR THE SONG | Jeffrey B. Scott
SOME PRACTICAL STEPS
This month, we're going to attempt to identify
and define the elusive phrase in our title. As a
player for many decades now, I've heard this
descriptive used about masterful musicians
from around the globe and in every genre.
But unlike solo passages from your favorite
lead guitar phenoms, playing for the song is
something anyone can do and do well.
IDENTIFY SIGNATURE PARTS
Signature parts are clear, concise motifs that
exist throughout a song. They can be subtle and
reserved or pointed and powerful, but the song
cannot live without them. Find these lines and
you have a place to start. But often playing for
the song means that the signature themes are
also where we need to stop. Creating around
those themes can sometimes lead to great
places musically and produce great moments,
but it can also be a distraction from the full
impact of the song. Especially in the context of
When in
This column is usually all about the proactive,
practical ways to be #BetterBySunday, so here
doubt,
are a couple of suggestions for helping you find
the sweet spot during your next rehearsal:
playing
•
"How little can I get away with playing and
more is not
usually what
works best
A fun experiment could be to ask yourself,
still fill out the arrangement of this song to
the best of my ability?"
•
Play with a relatively un-effected tone
for the song, with little or no overdrive or
distortion, going for as clean a tone as
when you're possible. This will help you play with more
playing for aren't covered up in any way by effects.
precision since the notes you are playing
It can feel a little exposed but remember:
this is during rehearsal! Once you have
the song.
the part down, add back in the song-
appropriate effects as needed.
a worship environment, that signature part can
As we step into the new year, I hope this
make the song—but going beyond it can ruin
the moment. WHAT IT DOES NOT MEAN
STAY IN YOUR LANE I'm a truly a big fan of the lead guitar. It is
column continues helping all of us be better in
more practical ways each month! Look forward
to seeing you next time!
without question the thing I spend the most
When in doubt, playing more is not usually what time working on in my practice. So hear me
works best when you're playing for the song. when I say I love solos! And playing for the
Usually, it means thinking about what you are song doe not always mean "don't play a solo!"
playing and asking "Is this note necessary? Am It needs to be both an individual choice and a
I playing several notes when one is enough? dictate from the song itself. If there's a dramatic
Is this the right sound for this song? Is this solo in the middle of the song, go for it! Play
the right inversion of the correct chord? Am it with passion and gusto! Do your very best.
I leaving room for the other musicians to If the song calls for it, then the solo must be
play their parts?" These are studio-minded, a part of it. But choose carefully, and let your
producer-type questions that should lead to playing be for the benefit of the song. Then
finding the balance of what to play and when. you'll be in good company.
104
January 2019
Jeffrey B. Scott
Jeffrey B. Scott is a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter
and Dove Award-nominated producer living in
Nashville, TN. Jeffrey is currently on tour playing
lead guitar with American Idol winner David Cook.
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